Toad & Co Sespe Sherpa Vest Review: Cozy Winter Warmth

I grabbed the Toad & Co Sespe Sherpa Vest when I needed a winter layer that looked polished but still felt like a cozy blanket. After a few cold-weather trips and plenty of school drop-offs, it has become my “throw it on and feel ready” piece, especially for chilly mornings when I’m juggling coffee, a stroller and camera gear.

What I love about it

It’s an easy piece to throw on over a long-sleeve tee, and under a jacket. I’ve become a vest person in recent years, and this one, with its cool up-north style, is a win for me.

• Warmth without bulk: The teddy-textured exterior is plush, but the vest still fits under my Lapwing jacket from Finisterre’s women’s line when I need wind protection. My core stays warm while my arms stay free for hauling bags or lifting our toddler into a carrier.
• Travel-friendly pockets: Two zippered hand pockets stash my phone and lip balm, and the collar shields my neck from winter wind without needing a huge scarf (but a small scarf may help!). I even tuck a pair of gloves in there for playground swings.
• Polished silhouette: The slightly cropped length pairs with high-rise jeans, joggers or midi dresses, so I can wear it from playdate mornings to dinner out without changing layers.

Winter testing

I love taking this simple vest on trips to cold places: first, because it adds a little bit of style to an otherwise plain winter outfit, and second, because it actually keeps me cozy outdoors.

• Road trips: Packs flat in my weekender and doubles as a layer for cold outings.
• Work-from-home: Toss it over a basic tee when I hop on video meetings and need to look put-together. It’s a 20-second fix.
• Holiday markets or fall nature walks: Keeps me cozy while holding hot chocolate, and the collar blocks chilly breezes when I forget my scarf.

Things to note about it

• The fuzzy exterior can pick up a tiny bit of lint, so keep a lint roller handy if you wear darker layers underneath.
• Size up if you want extra room for chunky sweaters; it runs true to size with standard layers. The XS did the trick for me right off the bat.
• It’s not windproof, so plan to add a shell in heavy gusts or wet snow. I would not call this a technical piece, but more of a style-add.

Quick takeaways

This is my summary if you want a refresh of what to know about this sherpa vest from Toad & Co.

• Plush sherpa exterior adds to total outfit warmth without arm bulk.
• Secure pockets and semi-high collar make it practical for winter sightseeing. You might still need a scarf.
• Versatile styling works with jeans, leggings or sweater dresses. I’ve worn it with all of these.

If you love layering but dislike feeling bulky, this sherpa vest is the cozy-meets-polished staple I keep recommending for winter travel capsules. It’s one of the easiest and quickest additions to daily style that has made me feel a little more interesting in otherwise drab winter clothes.